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Saturday, January 31, 2015

2015 is going quite lazy for me as, its so cold these days in north.I feel like sipping tea and reading magazines all day long, basically I am being plain lazy. But Sun god came to my rescue and blessed us with a sunny day in between. So, I took the opportunity to take my favourite knit skirt out for a lunch date. There are few pieces in my wardrobe that help transform my basic cold daily wear into a fancy OOTD. Be it a plain cardigan, basic overcoat or a pair of heels.

My outfit in the following pictures completely define my sense of style at the moment.The bright yellow mustard cardigan is big yes for me on a sunny day to match with its vibes.I have teamed it up with a basic color skirt so this grey piece with white embroidered work is a must have in winters. Its so warm and well fitted, perfect to flaunt my curves even in the chilly days. I skipped stockings, my basic nude kitten heels were perfect for a lunch and later I threw a black overcoat which is so cozy and stylish. A white necklace, silver watch and a bracelet finished my look.

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

This one is a special post because it's Confessionz of a closet's first wedding story. Featuring bride, Sumaiya Ali and groom, Kamran Khan. They met at work, instantly fell in love and said, "Kabool hai" after 2yrs of dating. I stole these shots from her personal album because I thoroughly enjoyed stalking her wedding album. And Sumaiya being the darling that she is, was more than happy to share her wedding images with contact details of her makeup artist, designer and wedding photographer. I'll be more than happy to share the same with you guys, drop your query and email id in the comments and I shall get back to you :)

Coming back to their nikah.. it was planned by both, Sumaiya and Kamran. A lot of research went into zeroing down the outfits for the wedding, designer, wedding photographer, and bride's make-up artist. Sumaiya's outfit was inspired from a Pakistani designer's creation. Kamran customized his outfit keeping in mind Sumaiya's Lehanga. Her makeup was just right, no cakey base or glittering eyelids. Their wedding pictures turned out so dreamy and perfect that I fell in love with weddings. Hope you guys enjoy them as much as I did and cannot wait to share more such posts with you guys!

To share your wedding story mail us at -confessionzofacloset@gmail.com

Friday, January 16, 2015

Like Carrie, we all love to see our prized possessions hanging in our closest, rite? And I have a blog dedicated to the same, where I ramble about my impulsive shopping hauls and closet secrets, that’s why it is called “Confessionz of a closet”. My most valued and loved possession is my handbag collection. But t’was a time when a purse was a mere utility. Today, women spend more on a handbag than on a holiday or even a car. Blame it on Globalisation or awareness, but the message is clear- Clothes are redundant, it’s all about the It-Bag.

But why are bags so desirable? It’s partly because they’ve become a unique outward statement of a woman’s status, fashion statement and earning power. The choice of handbag is directly proportional to the social independence and status of its owner. And 200 hundred years ago, women would tuck their purses into the folds of their clothes, stuffed with their belongings. It has all changed since the women started to step out, both for leisure and work.

The right kind of bag can elevate any look and not the right one can make the overall look drab. So, there better be a bag for every occasion and budget, these folks at askmebazaar.com have just the right solution for my bag savy readers. Here is a deal that’ll get you two gorgeous handbags in the price of one. Stocks are limited.. so go, grab it now!

Sunday, January 11, 2015

Here is a quick post( and sneak-peak) into my 2014's beauty favourites. Some of these are my old favourites and some are fairly new additions to my beauty & make-up stash.

1. Moisturiser: Emolene- It's a water based moisturiser for dry and sensitive skin. My skin type is combination, but my skin is super sensitive. It's water based, seeps into the skin after a minute and a half of application, keeps skin hydrated and plum. Works just as good as any expensive moisturiser and suits all skin type. I picked it from a pharmacy near my house and it only retails for 110 rupees.

2. Matifying Balm: Kiehl's Micro-Blur Skin Perfection- I'd be honest, I am still not sure if I am 100% happy with this product, but I am surely addicted. I share a love-hate relationship with this Kiehls product. This works just perfect, but after a while of using this it's consistency changed, product and water separated in the tube. In spite of shaking it a zillion times, refrigerating it, storing it upside-down and vice versa, nothing helped and then I decided to go to the store and ask the expert. Not only he gave me a new product, but also assured that the same thing will happen again. Yes, I know it's weird, rite? So, this tube still leaks water each time I use it. I am looking for a cheaper replacement for this product( that is available in India). Let me know in comments if you guys know of one such product.

3. Night Care: Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate- It's an absolute favourite since 2013. I don't use it that often, just a couple of days before a special occasion or when I am pmsing. I have my own theory when it comes to this one. It works wonders for my skin. Love it!

4. Face: My Perfect BB-Cream & Compact(s) Combination- This BB Magic Cream is a mysterious tube of flawless skin that my baby sis, Pupul got me from Thailand. Since then it has become my absolute favourite. It works wonders when combined with these compacts. I keep switching b/w my MAC and Rimmel London compact. Best combination for my skin!

Thursday, January 08, 2015

First of all, Disclaimer: All the beauty trends mentioned in this list aren't bad, some of these are my personal favourites. But everyone from a Runway-model to a girl-next door, Fashionistas on the street to famous tv reality stars- have been seen overdoing it to death. 2015 should be about setting all new trends,fresh looking faces and effortless hair. The list below is prepared keeping in mind the same. Let's first thank these 2014 beauty trends that made us beautiful throughout the year and welcome these new 2015 trends with our arms wide open:

1. In the face: Kardashian Contouring- 2014 was all about heavy contouring, 2015 is about subtle contouring. This'll not only give you more natural outcome, but will also gives your cheekbones a more subtle lift.

2. Fan like Lashes: Falsies- Amping up the lash factor is a sure-shot way to draw attention to your eyes. But let's face the fact, it looks fake and fan like. I admire Huda Beauty's dedication( addiction) to falsies, I really do! but it's 2015, it better be fuss free. Surefire way to attain sexy big eyes is to layer mascara or by using individual falsies / cut the faslies half and apply it to the outer ends.

3. Overdrawn Lips: Kylie Jenner's Pout- This Jenner pout is a blessing for people with thin lips, but if you are happy with your pout then this is not the trend to follow for 2015. Lips tints and nude lip balms or pastel shades are the best way to cheat that "luscious fuller lips" look.

4. Half Shaved Head: The Rebel- Okay! you did it, you rocked it! But it looks ugly when it grows out, and then you go back to shaving that side again. Tired of it? I have the perfect solution, flip your long hair to a different parting that covers the half shaved side, while it grows out. And for people who want to attain the similar look can curl their mane for volume and part them side ways. Use pins to lock the other side or cheat the look by making a concealed pony covered under the length.

5. RIP Insanely Long Extensions- Go short this 2015- Unless you are Victoria Secret's model or Bunny at the Playboy Mansion, this trend is not for you any-more. It's old and this year is all about freshness, what better than a long bob, rite? Take a hint from Taylor Swift and Emma Stone.

6. Thick Brows: Boxy Pinterest Brows-During 2014, Deepika Padukone and Kardashian's taught us how to rock sharp thick brows. Overly-filled, squared off at the beginning, defined arch and pointy end, looks like they were drawn on with a stencil. STOP! It's 2015 brows should look feathery and lightly filled, they leave you looking fresh and youthful, rather fake and drag-queen(y).

7. Purple/Teal/Blonde: Coloured Hair/Ombre- : 2014 saw Kylie Jenner's Teal Ombre, Nicole Richie's lavender locks or the Fashion Police host, Kelly Osbourne's purple locks. 2015 is about Baliage( painting on highlights for a more natural, sun-kissed finish that grows out beautifully) is back, proving to be the prettiest way to color your hair or any other subtle color.

8. Stiletto Nails: Eagle Talon Tips- Almond shaped nails need to stay in 2014, be it in color or nude. In 2015, file your nails neat in their natural shape for a more natural and clean look.

9. Overly Bronzed and Highlighted look- 2015 feels like the perfect time to stop shining spotlights on your face with excessive highlighting or bronzing. Beyond Bronzed skin makes you look like you have been stuck on a tropical island for years without SPF, so go a little light. To highlight rite, use concealer a shade lighter than your own color or a pink/ rose gold tone highlighter depending upon your skin tone. Or, better yet, skip any kind of highlighting for a gorgeous" I woke up like this" look.

10. Dark Goth Pout: Black Lipstick- Dark colors are difficult to pull off , Bravo! if you did it, but 2015 is about berry lips which compliments all skin tones.

Thursday, January 01, 2015

I am someone who has lived in both, Delhi and Mumbai, so for me to pick one favourite city is as difficult as picking a favourite parent. When I stay in Mumbai, Shivsagar is one stop solution for all my street food cravings and when I am in Delhi, I miss Mumbai and the street delicacies that the city offers. But after Shiv Sagar opening in the heart of Delhi, Connaught Place, I have one reason less to miss Mumbai.If you don't know about this place already (because you don't live in Mumbai) then you better google it or read this review of their new restaurant in Delhi. Coincidently, Shivsagar's Delhi branch is co-owned by a very close friend, but that doesn't influence this review in anyway. I have been to the restaurant twice, once as a guest and the second time was purely out of love for their food. My review of Shivsagar, Delhi is based on the following criteria:

Location: Location couldn't have been more interesting than this. Its located next to Sarvana Bhawan, Janpath, CP, which is one of the busiest restaurant in the city. Still Shiv Sagar is managing to have waiting on the weekdays and there is always scarcity of pavs by the end of the day. It's the new It place to eat in the city.

Ambiance: It's certainly too hoity-toity for a place serving vada pav and pav bhaji, but why not? I like my vada pav served on a clean hygienic plate. I love the fact that I can sit in an air conditioned restaurant, flip through a menu, order pav bhaji and water-melon juice, call for cheque and not worry about location, hygiene or carrying a bottle of sanitizer to relish street-food. Coming back to the point, it's a tastefully done restaurant. I absolutely love the cane lamps hanging off the roof adding warmth to the comfortable and cosy seating plan.

Hygiene:I hate when I am sitting in a restaurant accompanied by flies and table mats smelling of food, toilets lacking soap and toilet paper, utensils giving proof of what was served previously. This won't happen at Shivsagar, the COO of Shiv Sagar, Varun Puri with his extensive experience in the hospitality business makes sure there's no compromising on hygiene and quality.Food: Okay! I'd be lying if I say that the food is exactly the same, its not as spicy as we get back in Bombay, but the taste palate is still the same. It still has the authentic local flavour that I have relished in the past, at their Mumbai outlets. I tried their famous vada pav, pav bhaji, chilli idli, bhel puri, seev puri , fruit sundae and I also tried all the juices from their menu. The second time I went back, I repeated the order( minus the bhel, idli and sundae). I am yet to try the other delicacies they offer.FYI, they get their laadi pavs straight from Mumbai, every morning. Here is a detailed experience of my little food tasting session : I cannot get over the taste of their authentic vada pav, they serve it with options of green and red chutnies along with fried chillies. It's my staple starter at Shiv Sagar.

But pav bhaji is my utmost favourite dish, bhaji's authentic taste, creamy mashed gravy and pavs soaking in butter seems like a match made in heaven. Also, the fact the its not spicy( how it's typically served in Mumbai), makes it easy to soak in the flavours. It surely succeeded in tantalizing my taste buds.

The sev puri that they offer is authentic to the t, rite balance of teekha and meetha. Perfect quality of sev, which a lot of other places get wrong in Delhi. I am not a big fan of bhel puri though, but it's worth a try.

The most controversial dish that they served for us was Chili Idli. Okay! if chef hadn't told us, I would have mistaken it for chilly paneer. It just melts the moment you put it in the mouth, perfectly sautéed in chinese sauce and veggies, absolutely lip smacking!

Did mentioned that I tried all the juices? Freak not.. I tried them in these test tube shooters. I absolutely love their pineapple juice and my second favourite is the watermelon juice. All the juices are freshly prepared and have thick consistency. I was totally blown by the idea of these juice shooters. I am yet to try their shakes though, but I am sure they are as as good as the juices they offer.

For dessert I had fruit sundae, each layer had a different flavour to offer. I recommend this to all the ice-cream lovers. I bet you'll thank me for this.

Overall experience:I enjoyed my experience both the times, but I am definitely going to try other cuisines that they offer. Its a great place for weekend family dinner or lunch. I suggest, you book a table if you plan to visit during the weekend. Everything is moderately priced and value for money. Two people can easily eat under 800rs. Food paradise for vegetarians and street food lovers. This place offers Quick-serve Meals/Mumbai Street Food/South Indian/NorthIndian/ Chinese/Fresh Juices and more. For the Delhi Foodies a special Dilli Chaat section has been introduced in the menu which has delicacies such as Bermi Aloo subji, Matra with kulcha, Special Aloo tikki with aloo dum, Matra tikki and every daily special’s as “Chaat of the day". My Verdict: 4/5 I absolutely recommend this place and in case you guys have been there already then do share your experience in the comments below. I'd love to know. P.S.- It's the first time I am doing a food review on the blog, so if you feel that there is any point missing then do drop a comment. I'll try and do better next time. :)